Romeo and Juliet ballet breaks 54-year-old record

The Kenneth MacMillan version of Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-cross'd lovers - with guest appearances from international ballet stars Tamara Rojo, Carlos Acosta and Steven McRae - took more than $1.1 million in box office.

More than 15,000 people across eight performances - five of which were sold out - watched the production at the Lyric Theatre in the past fortnight.

Queensland Ballet chief Anna Marsden said Romeo and Juliet was now Queensland Ballet's highest-selling ballet in the Company's rich 54-year history.

"We were also pleased to welcome so many new patrons - over 50% of those that booked tickets had never purchased a ticket to Queensland Ballet before," Ms Marsden said.

Lady Deborah MacMillan, who granted the company rights to perform her late husband's iconic work, said the company was "stunning".

"The dancers are keen and eager to do the roles, and this shone through in the performances. I'm excited, and thrilled," she said.

Audiences can next catch Queensland Ballet's next offering, Flourish, at the Playhouse from August 1-9.

Flourish includes four dance works that reveal the myriad expressive possibilities of dance.